The Prix de France, to be raced Sunday afternoon (Feb. 9) at Vincennes, will have Prix d’Amerique winner Face Time Bourbon and runner-up Davidson du Pont as the favorites. The two top trotters represent a new modern bloodline in French trotting as well as an old proven one.

You might know that the French studbook is closed and has been for many years, but around 30 years ago some mares were allowed to be bred to North American stallions — and those foals have had a big impact in French trotting.

Face Time Bourbon is a representative from this modern line, which now is very dominant with Ready Cash, the sire of Face Time Bourbon, as the champion stallion in France.

On the other hand, Davidson du Pont represents old French bloodlines, but you’ll find Star’s Pride in a 4×5 cross in his breeding. Still, Davidson du Pont is considered “old French blood.”

Face Time Bourbon is hot as a stallion share has recently been sold for around $200,000. There are 80 shares, so Face Time Bourbon is valued at around $17.5 million and it is impossible to breed him to your mare if you don’t have a share in him.

It’s easier if you want your mare covered by Davidson du Pont who stands for 400 Euro plus 4,500 Euro live foal.

The Prix de France is raced over 1-5/8 miles and has 16 entries.

Davidson du Pont, who will have Jean Michel Bazire in the bike, won the draw over Face Time Bourbon with Björn Goop. Davidson du Pont will race from post position four, while Face Time Bourbon will race from post position eight.

Stefan Melander-trained Milligan’s School will be the only North American-bred trotter in the race, as Propulsion was not entered.